Whether through qualification heartbreak, tactical omissions, or squad competition, these players represent a team that could have genuinely challenged for the title.

Below is a “Best XI” of stars who may be watching from home and what they would have brought to the tournament.

Goalkeeper

Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Manchester City)

2025/26 stats: ~38 appearances, 15 clean sheets, ~73% save rate (all competitions)

One of the world’s elite shot-stoppers, Donnarumma continues to combine reflex brilliance with penalty-saving pedigree. His consistency in high-pressure matches would have given any tournament defence a world-class backbone.

Defenders

Dominik Szoboszlai (Hungary, Liverpool) – Right Back (adapted role)

2025/26 stats: 41 appearances, 8 goals, 10 assists

Originally a midfielder, Szoboszlai’s hybrid role adds elite creativity from deep areas. His set-piece delivery and long-range passing would have turned defensive transitions into immediate attacking threats.

Nikola Milenković (Serbia, Nottingham Forest)

2025/26 stats: 36 appearances, 2 goals, 5.8 clearances per game, 62% aerial duel win rate

A physically dominant centre-back, Milenković provides pure defensive reliability. His aerial strength and duel-winning ability would be vital against elite tournament strikers.

Alessandro Bastoni (Italy, Inter Milan)

2025/26 stats: 39 appearances, 3 assists, 89% pass accuracy

A modern ball-playing defender, Bastoni ranks among Europe’s best progressive passers at centre-back. His ability to break lines under pressure makes him essential for build-up-heavy teams.

Miloš Kerkez (Hungary, AFC Bournemouth)

2025/26 stats: 37 appearances, 2 goals, 4 assists, 2.3 tackles per game

An explosive modern full-back, Kerkez combines defensive intensity with aggressive forward runs. His stamina and recovery speed would stretch any opposition wide defence.

Thomas Tuchel says 'it's not a gamble' to leave the likes of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer out of his World Cup squad.

Thoughts? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/2AJCenAuLN

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 22, 2026

Midfielders

Carlos Baleba (Cameroon, Brighton & Hove Albion)

2025/26 stats: 34 appearances, 1 goal, 88% pass accuracy, 2.6 interceptions per game

A rising midfield disruptor, Baleba excels at ball-winning and progressive carrying. His athleticism would provide balance against technically dominant opposition midfields.

Sandro Tonali (Italy, Newcastle United)

2025/26 stats: 40 appearances, 2 goals, 4 assists, 87% pass accuracy

Tonali controls tempo with intelligence and precision. His range of passing and defensive positioning would make him the tactical metronome of the team.

Eduardo Camavinga (France, Real Madrid)

2025/26 stats: 38 appearances, 1 goal, 3 assists, 2.4 tackles per game

A complete modern midfielder, Camavinga offers elite versatility — capable of defending, progressing the ball, or operating in tight spaces under pressure.

João Pedro has NOT been picked for Brazil's World Cup squad despite playing up to 60 games in all competitions at the highest level, producing 25 goals + 6 assists.

Meanwhile Neymar was selected while being injured, and now being out for 3 weeks + missing the opening WC match.🤯 pic.twitter.com/b8ewi1raXW

— Out Of Context Chelsea (@NoContextChe1) May 29, 2026

Forwards

Cole Palmer (England, Chelsea)

2025/26 stats: 25 appearances, 9 goals, 1 assist, 3 big chances created

A creative attacking force with elite composure, Palmer’s ability to score and create in tight spaces makes him one of England’s most dangerous attacking midfielders.

Phil Foden (England, Manchester City)

2025/26 stats: 40 appearances, 9 goals, 6 assists

Foden’s dribbling, movement, and creativity make him a constant threat between the lines. His ability to influence games in congested areas would be crucial at tournament level.

João Pedro (Brazil, Chelsea)

2025/26 stats: 35 appearances, 12 goals, 6 assists

A versatile forward capable of playing centrally or deeper, João Pedro brings technical link-up play and intelligent movement, offering Brazil a flexible attacking focal point.

Substitutes

Jan Oblak (Slovenia, Atlético Madrid)

2025/26 stats: 37 appearances, 14 clean sheets

Still one of the most consistent goalkeepers in world football, Oblak remains elite in positioning and shot-stopping.

Éder Militão (Brazil, Real Madrid)

2025/26 stats: 29 appearances, 1 goal, 6.1 clearances per game

A fast, aggressive defender whose recovery pace makes him ideal against counter-attacking teams.

Harry Maguire (England, Manchester United)

2025/26 stats: 33 appearances, 3 goals, 5.4 clearances per game

Aerially dominant and tactically disciplined, Maguire remains a strong presence in deep defensive setups and set-piece situations.

Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, Galatasaray)

2025/26 stats: 34 appearances, 22 goals, 5 assists

One of the most explosive strikers in world football. Osimhen’s pace, pressing, and finishing would make him a constant goal threat in any system.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia, PSG)

2025/26 stats: 36 appearances, 14 goals, 9 assists

A game-breaking winger with elite dribbling ability and unpredictability. Kvaratskhelia would be the creative spark capable of unlocking elite defences.

Xavi Simons (Netherlands, RB Leipzig)

2025/26 stats: 39 appearances, 10 goals, 8 assists

A dynamic attacking midfielder who thrives between the lines, Simons offers pressing energy, creativity, and consistent attacking output.

Hugo Ekitiké (France, Liverpool)

2025/26 stats: 31 appearances, 11 goals, 4 assists

A developing striker with strong movement and finishing instincts, Ekitiké represents high upside depth in attack.

Final Word

This XI underlines the brutal reality of international football: even world-class talent can miss the biggest stage. With hundreds of top-level appearances and double-digit goal contributions across multiple players, this “absent team” would still look competitive against many World Cup squads.